Hydrogen Sulfide Inhibits Cadmium-Induced Cell Death of Cucumber Seedling Root Tips by Protecting Mitochondrial Physiological Function

Abstract Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) can alleviate Cd-induced cell death, but the molecular mechanisms are not clear. To shed light on these mechanisms, death induced by 200 μM cadmium chloride in cucumber seedlings root tips was used as a model system. Here, we report that negative effect of Cd stress mitochondrial physiological functions include changes cytochrome c/a, membrane permeability transition pores, and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase). Moreover, led to release Ca 2+ into cytosol. Exogenous application sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, donor H inhibited maintains function reducing hydrogen peroxide accumulation, increasing ATPase activity down-regulating CsVDAC CsANT expression. In summary, S suppressed improving properties.